So I nearly forgot to update today! I've been really really busy lately with finals and such. Then I fell off my friend's horse today. He bolted up a hill and wouldn't stop and then tried to go between two trees that he CLEARLY couldn't fit through and I smashed into the tree and then fell off. Not a fun time. Funny though. I also FINALLY got the Terrier book by Tamora Pierce. I felt like such a loser not having it. Lol Anyway, once again let me know what you think of this chapter!

Disclaimer: So I guess I own more than nothing. Like the plot. But staying in school is still a good idea.

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A week or so later, Kel received a letter from Wyldon, requesting her to give her reports to him in person the following day. Groaning with the annoyance of having to make the trip to Steadfast, Kel informed Neal, as well as Dom and his squad, that they would be accompanying her on the ride. She brushed off Neal's complaining about having to o see the Stump and went to her room to pack.

As she was finishing her packing, Dom came in and began to do his own packing. They sat in silence for a moment before Dom came to sit beside Kel on the bed. "Kel, are you planning on tell Wyldon?" he asked, looking over at her. She folded the tunic she was holding and put it in her bag before looking at him. "I suppose I have to. I can't exactly keep fighting while I'm pregnant. I'm sure I can get time off. It's not as if New Hope can't take care of itself now." With a sigh she leaned against his shoulder. "It's just going to be hard telling Wyldon."

She smiled as a comforting arm was put around her shoulders. "If you want I'll go with you when you tell him," he said, kissing the top of her head. "I'd actually rather go alone," she told him, covering a huge yawn with her hand. Dom smiled at this and finished his packing, putting his bags next to Kel's. Picking her up into his strong arms, he kissed her swiftly before dumping her into bed.

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The following day, Kel and the small group rode of the gate of New Hope at an hour past dawn. Kel was glad the day-long ride to Steadfast would give her a break from the work of the town. However, as thick black clouds began to roll in just after the stopped for the noon meal, Kel's spirits began to drop. When the first fat drops of rain hit her cloaked back, she gave an inward groan and huddled deeper into her cloak.

Night had fallen by the time they saw the lights of the fort. Kel's cloak was soaked by this point and was happy with the prospect of a warm bath and dry clothes. As they rode into the clearing in front of the fort, an arrow whistled past Kel's ear and she gave a shout to warn her fellow warriors. Suddenly bandits poured out of the trees on either side of the clearing and began to attack Kel and her companions in earnest. Pulling her sword from its sheath in a single swift movement and unbuckling her shield with another, she attacked the nearest bandit.

The darkness made it difficult to fight. The enemy was swathed in dark clothing, making them hard to see. The rain didn't help either, making the footing difficult for the horses. The clang of metal on metal sounded around her as the soldiers began to fight back. After swiftly killing a bandit but cutting up and under his guard, she turned at the sound of a yell from someone else. Before she could bring up her weapon up, the butt of a man's ax connected solidly with her gut. Clutching her stomach, she fell from the saddle with a grunt of pain. In defense of his mistress, Peachblossom reared up and slashed at the man until another soldier cut him down.

Kel tried to stand and failed. Looking down, she saw blood pooling on the ground beneath her. Dimly, she heard someone calling her name. The battle began to wind down, but Kel was deaf to it all. Her hands still clasped to her stomach, her vision started to go black as a single thought swirled around her brain. "My baby…"

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So sorry that this chapter is kinda short, but I figured it was intense enough to make up for the shortness. Anyway, let me know what you think! Now it's everyone's favorite part!

AnkokuSama: Yeah, I know. But where's the fun in that? Lol

stardust718: Well if you were a knight, I don't think you'd like it much either. I know I don't.

On top of cloud 9: Oh yes, we all love the potted plant…

winglessfairy25: Obviously my story is way better than the periodic table!

Lela-of-Bast: Yeah… I figured that was a very Dom-like thing to do. Lol

bookworm-4-ever2012: Not really what I was going for, but it works. She was just grouchy. And I got a snow day too. Very exciting. And what about chocolate fondue?

Thanks to everyone else that submitted a review!!!